Why is Naby Keita missing from Guinea’s squad amid growing controversy?

Guinea was stunned on November 2 when coach Paulo Duarte named his squad for the crucial CAN 2027 qualifiers against Eritrea without Naby Keita. For some supporters, it was another selection call. For many others, it felt like a major break. Keita, once the heartbeat of Guinea’s midfield, was absent for the key matches. The response was immediate and fierce.

Keita’s camp hits back

Days after Duarte’s announcement, Thierno Amadou Makadji, Keita’s adviser, went public with a forceful defence of his client. Makadji said Naby Keita had received a pre-call-up and was ready to return to the national team. His name, however, was removed from the final squad at the last moment.

“Duarte must be honest and tell the truth to Guineans,” Makadji declared, saying the coach had not told the full story. “He knows what happened with Naby. What he didn’t say is that Naby was selected, received his ticket, and at the last moment, his name was withdrawn from the list. The proof exists.”

The dispute had become a public row. Makadji accused Duarte of questioning Keita’s commitment to the Syli National and criticised him for “giving lessons in patriotism” to a player who, he said, risked his health to represent Guinea at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations despite injury. Keita’s camp says the issue is not a player refusing his country’s call, but a coach avoiding responsibility for his own decision.

Duarte defends his selections

Duarte was direct when asked about the absences of Keita, Mohamed Bayo, and Morgan Guilavogui. “I called players once, twice, and they did not respond. Do you want me to keep calling players who do not want to come to the national team?” he retorted. Duarte also joked that perhaps those players might return when he leaves.

That explanation did little to calm the argument among supporters. Some backed Duarte and said star names must show commitment. Others, angered by Makadji’s claims, demanded more clarity and respect for a player they see as a national hero.

Guinea face Eritrea without Keita

Paulo Duarte has named 26 players for the double-header against Eritrea. Mouctar Diakhaby makes a much-anticipated return, while Amadou Diawara and Yakhouba Gnagna Barry are also back. Naby Keita, Bayo, and Guilavogui remain absent, not through injury, but because of the growing rift. Abdoul Karim Traoré and Seydouba Cissé miss out through injury.

Guinea will play Eritrea first in Conakry and then in Cairo. The team takes into the fixtures the momentum of a recent win over Kenya, alongside a fanbase split over Keita’s continued absence.

Keita last played for Guinea in the quarterfinal defeat to DR Congo at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Each squad announcement since then has made his absence more contentious. In September, Duarte said there was no problem and that Keita remained an option. Now both sides say they are defending the honour of Guinea’s football.

Supporters are left asking who speaks for the Syli National. Duarte wants discipline and commitment. Keita’s representatives point to the sacrifices he has made for the shirt. The Eritrea matches will unfold with that dispute still hanging over the team.